HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

Episodes

• Digital Tools and AI - "So Happy Together" - Short #295 21.07.2026 25m

  This short podcast episode is Tyler Nelson's Bry-X presentation from the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium: Digital Tools and AI - "So Happy Together." Tyler is the Business Development Manager and Global Trainer at Sauermann Americas. Artificial intelligence (AI) is measured data, not an authority, and it will not replace techs. It may enhance technicians' abilities but must be used responsibly. AI operates on clear logic and supplies pattern recognition, what-if analysis, and decision support (but NOT decision ownership). The technician ultimately owns decision authority and technical judgment, but AI helps save time. Modern AI reinforces best practices, flags inconsistencies, and cross-references industry data, meaning it amplifies experience rather than replacing it. HVAC technicians' work depends on codes and standards, physics, and diagnostic cause and effect, which all have repeatable workflows; AI provides instant analysis and verification in those key areas. We already have a wealth of data from our tools and manufacturers' literature, and AI connects those to help us make decisions; technicians fear being incorrect or missing diagnostic factors, and AI can help us assimilate data by connecting data sources and ensuring that all angles are covered. It closes interpretation gaps and gives us the framework to make constructive decisions. measureQuick is an example of a diagnostic app that integrates AI in its workflows; it is leading the way in terms of digital tools and AI integration, and it gives technicians a lot of power in the field. Apps that use AI with digital tools help us navigate the industry as equipment becomes more complex, and they save time by making your work faster and more accurate. These tools come at a cost, but those costs can be spread across flat diagnostic fees and service agreements. Feeding readings from these apps into AI can also help you understand gaps in your own thinking and understand the relationships between the tools' readings and the field reality. AI can also take the data and provide technicians with scripts that are easy for customers to understand. If you give AI specific prompts and data, including images, equipment data, tool data, and commands to include or exclude certain sources (such as excluding crowdsourced information), you can learn a lot about the system in front of you. It can also help you interpret images or videos. These functions of the tool can help us question our own assumptions, expand our understanding of field problems, and vet our decisions.   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 8th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
• HVAC Summer Service Calls: Rushing, Mental Fog & How to Stay on Your Game 16.07.2026 54m

  In this episode, Bryan leads a live team meeting focused on getting technicians mentally and practically ready for the summer rush. He opens by asking the group to name what makes the season different, and the answers pile up quickly: higher call volumes, hotter attics, more irritable customers, and a nagging pressure to move faster than usual. Bryan distills these observations into a central theme that runs through the entire conversation — the tension between speed and thoroughness, and how the desire to rush during the busy season is the root cause of most costly mistakes and callbacks. A major thread of the discussion is the idea of "sharpening your ax" before the season's workload hits full force. Bryan pushes the team to build real confidence in their tools rather than assuming they work correctly. He walks through practical habits: verifying that a leak detector is properly calibrated, understanding its components well enough to troubleshoot it, and periodically checking a vacuum pump with a micron gauge so a technician instinctively knows what normal performance looks like. He also shares a story about a mentor named Howard Erskine, using it to illustrate how small, deliberate routines — from hose-rolling technique to truck organization — compound into real speed without sacrificing accuracy. The conversation then turns to drain lines and diagnostic philosophy, centered on Bryan's "wide, narrow, wide" framework. He explains that rushing tends to collapse a technician's focus into the narrow middle step — fixing only the immediate complaint — while skipping the wide assessment before and after the repair that catches secondary issues like sagging platforms, damaged insulation, or drainage problems before they become bigger failures. A detailed real-world example involving an oversized system in a heavily shaded, lakeside home shows how factors outside a standard load calculation, like mature trees and humidity, can explain why equipment isn't "keeping up" even when nothing is actually broken. Bryan closes by connecting these technical habits to business outcomes, urging technicians to fully document and resolve issues rather than telling clients to "keep an eye on it." He frames average ticket size, callback rate, and time on call as honest indicators of thoroughness rather than sales pressure, and encourages the team to lean into detailed measureQuick reports, thermal imaging, and clear client communication so that no problem gets punted down the road. He wraps up with an honest, encouraging note about the grind of the summer season, reminding the crew that the long hours are temporary and that consistent, unhurried practices are what ultimately make the season more profitable and less stressful. Topics Covered What makes the summer HVAC season uniquely difficult, from heat and call volume to mental fog and burnout The connection between rushing and increased callbacks, mistakes, and missed opportunities "Sharpening your ax" — preparing tools and routines before the busy season hits Properly calibrating and understanding leak detectors, including the H10 Using a micron gauge to verify vacuum pump performance and knowing when to change pump oil Building personal routines and truck ergonomics to work faster without losing accuracy Common and costly drain line issues, including float switches, double traps, and pitch problems The "wide, narrow, wide" troubleshooting framework for full-system diagnosis A case study on an oversized system in a shaded, lakeside home and how site conditions affect load Handling clients who report a system "not keeping up," including thermostat lookers vs. comfort-focused clients Using measureQuick reports and third-party verification to build client trust Evaluating ductwork, insulation, and equipment sizing as part of a full home assessment Why documenting a clear path forward beats telling clients to "keep an eye on it" Average ticket size, callback rate, and time on call as indicators of technician thoroughness Maintaining a healthy mindset and work-life balance through the demands of summer   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 8th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
• The House Always Wins! A Class On Building Science Basics - Short #294 14.07.2026 24m

  In this short episode from the Bry-X stage of the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium, Tessa Murry gives a class on building science basics: The House Always Wins! Tessa is a building scientist who works with TEC. Tessa's class is about how the house puts HVAC contractors in difficult situations. When people have indoor air quality or comfort concerns, the HVAC often takes the blame, even if the issue is with the house. There are usually several little home improvement decisions that create unintended consequences and add up. In many cases, when there aren't exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, moisture stays inside and can cause indoor condensation. Air-sealing, adding or removing insulation, replacing windows, replacing furnaces with a different efficiency model, and even moving people in can all affect comfort and air quality. Comfort issues and complaints, such as hot and cold spots, often point to issues with the house, not necessarily just the HVAC system. Pressure boundaries and thermal boundaries in the building envelope need to be aligned, continuous, and consistent for HVAC systems to do their job well, but many houses don't have that. Those boundaries need to be clear between attached spaces like attics or garages. Those spaces create problems with energy efficiency and comfort, and humidity is a problem in some climates. Garages also have fumes we want to keep out of the house.  Heat moves from hot to cold, and air moves when there is a pressure differential. Mechanical equipment and wind can drive pressure differentials. If there is a pressure difference and a hole, there will be air movement. In the winter, cold air sinks and displaces warm air, which rises and creates positive pressure at the top of the house. That air will push through gaps around can lights, vents, and more. When that humid air gets into a cold attic, the moisture will condense on the roof decking surface and cause an ice dam to form. In the summer, hot, humid air comes into the structure. Regardless of the house's issues with air movement, it's on HVAC contractors to make the decisions that put the occupant's health and safety first, including calling the contractors with the knowledge to diagnose the house's problem.   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 8th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
• Compressor Failures, What and Why w/ Ty 09.07.2026 1h 15m

  In this episode, Bryan sits down with compressor teardown specialist Ty Branaman for a deep dive into what really kills refrigeration and AC compressors. After some lighthearted banter, the conversation quickly turns technical: Ty has spent years cutting apart failed compressors on video, and he explains why that practice matters so much. As he puts it, he is "all about making the invisible visible" — once a technician actually sees what happened inside a dead compressor, vague explanations like "it just got old" stop holding up. Bryan and Ty establish that a properly maintained compressor should essentially last forever, since it is a sealed system with no external contaminants — unlike an engine. The catch is that installation and service mistakes introduce the very contaminants that shorten its life. Copper plating tops Ty's list of the most common findings: moisture combines with POE oil to form acid, which etches copper that then plates onto moving parts, thickening them and eventually causing hard starts that get mistaken for a "tired" compressor. They also trace how a shorted or seized compressor is usually the end result of an earlier root cause, not the cause itself. The two work through the major categories of contamination one by one: solid debris from unswept lines and copper shavings left behind during deburring; moisture, which requires a proper pressure test, deep vacuum, and decay test to remove, plus heat to actually drive water molecules out; and non-condensable gases like oxygen and nitrogen, which throw off pressure readings and, with flammable A2L refrigerants, introduce real fire risk. Ty shares a memorable story about a compressor shell that ripped open after being left pressurized with nitrogen, and both discuss the surprisingly common problem of "wet" nitrogen and poorly maintained recovery tanks. The conversation closes on flooded starts — a hazard Ty considers hugely overlooked — where migrated liquid refrigerant mixes with crankcase oil and violently flashes to vapor on startup, often shattering scroll plates. They cover practical prevention methods, including crankcase heaters, pump-down solenoids placed ahead of the metering device, and reduced refrigerant charges, before wrapping up with Ty's quick field technique for cutting the top off a failed compressor to get an on-the-spot diagnosis rather than waiting on a full teardown back at the shop. Topics Covered Why compressors fail from external contamination rather than simply "wearing out" Copper plating as the most frequently found problem inside failed compressors Solid contaminants: dirt, copper shavings, and proper deburring technique Moisture control: pressure testing, deep vacuum, decay testing, and heat-assisted evacuation Wet nitrogen and poorly maintained recovery tanks Oxygen and nitrogen contamination, including flammability risks with A2L refrigerants Flooded starts, crankcase heaters, and pump-down solenoids Superheat measured at the compressor versus at the evaporator outlet Ty's quick-cut technique for on-the-spot compressor diagnosis in the field   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 8th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
• Multi Position Valves and More - Short #293 07.07.2026 20m

  In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about multi-position service valves and more valve types. Many typical residential systems have brass service valves with a hex cap and Schrader ports; access happens solely through the Schrader ports (where the cores are). Schraders are restrictive and prone to leaking, and they don't have the ability to back-seat or front-seat. In applications where we need that capability, we use multi-position service valves instead. (Note: CoreMax valves have much higher flow rates, but you can't remove the cores except with a highly specialized tool.) Multi-position service valves are common in commercial refrigeration and allow for unrestricted, full-port flow. They do not have spring-loaded cores in the service port. If you treat these valves like Schrader valves, refrigerant WILL come out if it's not back-seated. You adjust the position by turning the stem with a refrigeration service wrench; loosen the packing nut before attempting to turn the stem, as tightening it down will crush the compressible packing material around the rotating stem. Tighten it back down after making your adjustment. These valves also require lots of heat to braze, so we must cover heat-sensitive surfaces with wet rags or heat-blocking putty (like WetRag by Refrigeration Technologies). The valve must be mid-seated while brazing, not fully front-seated or back-seated, as the surfaces are more likely to warp otherwise. Mid-seating the valve also provides a high-volume path directly to the system. Back-seating the valve is the everyday running position (stem must be rotated fully counterclockwise) and blocks access to the service port. Cracking off the back seat requires you to rotate the stem slightly clockwise with service hoses securely attached, just enough to allow you to get a reading through a tiny gap. Front-seating the valve is good for isolation with the compressor off but may cause compressor failure or serious injuries if you run the compressor. Front-seating requires you to rotate the stem fully clockwise; it completely blocks the flow of refrigerant through the system, and the service port stays open to the upstream side of the valve body. Catastrophic compressor failure will happen if the suction or discharge valves are front-seated while running. General multi-position service valves are NOT king valves. King valves are multi-position service valves specifically located at the outlet of the liquid receiver. These valves front-seat to help you pump down the system when you need to do repairs on the low side; it blocks liquid refrigerant from leaving the tank. A queen valve may be located at the inlet of the receiver on the drop leg from the condenser; front-seating it with the king valve will fully isolate the receiver.   Multi-position service valve tech tip: https://www.hvacrschool.com/compressor-multi-position-service-valves/  Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 8th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
• Triple Point In Water and CO2 w/ Andrew G. and Matthew T. 02.07.2026 1h 2m

  In this episode, Bryan is joined by Matthew Taylor, a supermarket refrigeration specialist whose expertise centers on CO₂ rack systems, and Andrew Greaves, Director of User Experience at NAVAC Tools, for the third installment of their series on triple-point evacuation. The conversation expands beyond water to bring CO₂ into the picture, exploring where the two refrigerants behave similarly around the triple point and "more importantly" where the differences can create serious field problems. Whether you're pulling vacuums on residential equipment or servicing transcritical CO₂ racks at a grocery store, understanding what actually happens at these phase boundaries will change how you approach the work. The triple point of water sits at 4,579 microns, corresponding to just above 32°F (273 Kelvin). Andrew shares a fascinating piece of metrology history: for decades, the Kelvin was formally defined as one two-hundred-and-seventy-third of the triple point of water, making it the most reproducible temperature constant ever established. In practical HVAC terms, this means that any time a technician hits industry-standard evacuation targets, they pass right through the triple point of water "every single time." The danger isn't the crossing itself but what happens when moisture is present in a cold ambient: the vacuum pump can create ice, and because sublimation requires enormous energy input from the surrounding environment, that ice can persist and deliver a falsely passing vacuum reading. Andrew explains why a decay test is the real proof of a dry system, since sublimating ice will continue to raise the micron reading after the pump is isolated. The conversation also covers how micron gauges actually work: they measure thermal conductivity, not pressure, which is why refrigerant vapor entrained in compressor oil can cause wild, erratic gauge behavior that mimics both moisture and a leak simultaneously. For CO₂, the triple point arrives at roughly 70°F and 75 PSI "conditions that are easy to stumble into in the field." Matthew explains that in an operating transcritical CO₂ system, the triple point itself isn't the daily concern; the danger comes when a technician relieves pressure too quickly and liquid CO₂ flashes right through the triple point, instantly forming dry ice inside the lines and creating a hard plug. On the opposite end of the scale, CO₂ faces a critical point at just 87°F and 1,055 PSI, something that is essentially unreachable for most conventional refrigerants but is a routine operating reality in warm climates. Matthew walks through exactly what happens in a transcritical system: above the critical point, the CO₂ behaves as neither liquid nor vapor, the PT chart no longer applies, and a conventional condenser becomes a "gas cooler" that rejects heat but cannot condense the refrigerant. The refrigerant must be forced through a high-pressure valve to drop it back below the critical point, where it flashes instantly into liquid inside a flash tank. The episode also covers the "burping" behavior of CO₂ pop-off valves during high-ambient conditions, the dangers of isolating liquid CO₂, and how grocery stores have evolved from keeping spare CO₂ cylinders on hand to battery-powered fractional compressor systems that keep the flash tank subcritical through power outages. The episode wraps up with takeaways that apply across both refrigerant worlds. Big hoses and fast pumps don't eliminate moisture problems; they can actually create a false-confidence scenario where ice forms, the system still pulls deep, and the technician believes the job is done. The decay test remains the only reliable proof of dryness, and nitrogen sweeps serve multiple purposes: adding turbulence to help release refrigerant from oil, displacing refrigerant from the micron gauge sensor, and temporarily raising the system back above the triple point so ice converts to liquid before being removed as vapor. The group also briefly touches on the emerging CO₂ carbon capture industry, where the triple point is used intentionally to separate and harvest CO₂ from industrial flue gases. The world of CO₂ service is growing fast, from niche grocery racks to mini-split-sized transcritical units, and the tooling needed to work on the high-pressure side hasn't fully caught up yet. Topics Covered Triple point of water: 4,579 microns / ~32°F / 273 Kelvin, and its historic role defining the Kelvin scale Why technicians pass through the triple point of water during every standard evacuation How ice forms during deep vacuum pulls and why sublimation is slow without adequate heat input How micron gauges measure thermal conductivity, not pressure, and what causes erratic readings Distinguishing moisture, refrigerant-in-oil, and actual leaks during a decay test Triple point of CO₂: ~70°F / 75 PSI, and how dry ice forms when liquid CO₂ is vented through it Why liquid CO₂ must never be isolated and the dangerous pressure implications if it is The critical point of CO₂ at 87°F / 1,055 PSI and why transcritical operation is unavoidable in warm climates How transcritical CO₂ systems work: gas coolers, high-pressure valves, and flash tanks CO₂ system operating pressure ranges across the suction, liquid, and discharge sides Pop-off valves and the "burping" phenomenon in transcritical CO₂ systems during high-ambient conditions Grocery store power outage scenarios and battery-powered CO₂ subcooling solutions The role of crankcase heaters when pulling a vacuum on systems with oil-logged refrigerant Nitrogen sweeps: turbulence, sensor displacement, and temporary triple-point recovery Heated nitrogen as an emerging technique for improving vacuum quality CO₂ carbon capture: using the triple point industrially to harvest CO₂ from flue gases The rapid growth of smaller transcritical CO₂ systems and the current gap in high-side service tooling   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 8th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
• Washing Commercial Coils and Water Challenges - Short #292 30.06.2026 13m

  In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about considerations for washing commercial coils and water challenges techs might face. Despite being the topic of debate within the last several years, cleaning coils matters and will affect performance. When washing coils, we use Refrigeration Technologies Viper cleaners (especially Venom Packs) when we actually need cleaners. No matter which cleaner you use (or if you don't), you want some pressure and a high flow rate when rinsing, but keep in mind that some pressure-washers may produce too much pressure and too little flow; the sweet spot is around 300 PSI, and microchannel coils require extra caution.  In terms of commercial maintenance contracts, we often have a lot of coils to wash and may not have adequate water access for the job. We find that the best move is to ask the client to install plumbing infrastructure that allows for better water access. If they refuse, you can increase the labor charge due to extra hose setups, reduced pressure, etc. The client must also be able to provide safe access to the coils; do not write a proposal or carry out a maintenance procedure if techs cannot carry out the work safely.  Strict chemical policies are important, too. Water-first approaches are best; if a water wash is sufficient, use just water and only escalate to chemicals if there is a clear need for a stronger cleaning. If you use chemical cleaners, use the proper dilution ratio; over-concentrated cleaners can damage coils. Chemicals also require more rinsing, and it's more economical to do as little rinsing as possible. Pre-rinsing, adding cleaner from bottom to top, letting the cleaner dwell, and rinsing off is the ideal sequence. If you encounter water challenges on the ground, you can use a ground-based water trailer with a high-output, low-pressure washer attached. If the issue is on the roof, a battery-powered washer can help (like the Dewalt 20V MAX cordless power cleaner); they draw from vessels of water, like 5-gallon jerricans. Remove the casing if you need to (making sure the client pays for that additional labor), and rinse from the inside out.   Learn more about Refrigeration Technologies cleaners at https://www.refrigtech.com/.  Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 8th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
• Does AI Belong in Trades Education w/ Ty 25.06.2026 49m

  Bryan opens this conversation with Ty Branaman, Head of Training at the GRIT Foundation, by digging into a question that anchors everything else in the episode: what is trades education actually for? Ty's answer is unambiguous — it's about people, not information. He describes his own struggle with traditional, reading-heavy instruction and explains how that personal experience shaped his teaching method, one built around making concepts visible, relevant, and hands-on. Bryan builds on the idea, arguing that education is too often treated as a simple transfer of information when it's really a deeply human exchange, a kind of gift passed from one person to another through real, physical, kinesthetic experience rather than passive reading or watching. From there, the conversation turns to artificial intelligence, the central topic of the episode. Ty is careful to clarify that he isn't anti-AI; he uses it daily to clean up grammar, soften prickly emails, and refine images. His concern is specifically about AI replacing the human elements of teaching — the mentor a student looks up to, the instructor who visibly cares whether someone actually learns. Bryan adds a related warning about AI confidently producing false information, citing examples from law and HVAC alike, and introduces the idea of an "AI human sandwich," where human creativity starts the process, AI assists in the middle, and a human vets and rehumanizes whatever comes out the other end. Much of the discussion circles back to Ty's long-standing frustration with PowerPoint-driven training, and how AI threatens to make that problem worse by adding a synthetic avatar to read slides aloud instead of fixing the underlying issue. He recounts being written up at a previous job for skipping a PowerPoint lecture to take students into the lab, and shares a favorite teaching memory from Kalos, where an instructor named Burt used the Socratic method to walk trainees through assembling Unistrut by hand. Stories like the blower-wheel, set-screw lesson — where students learn far more by struggling through a mistake than by hearing the right answer recited to them — reinforce the episode's larger argument: hands-on repetition simply cannot be replaced by slides or scripts. The episode closes on the mission of the GRIT Foundation and the broader case for investing in human mentors rather than administrative shortcuts. Ty and Bryan talk about the cost and effort behind genuinely human-made training videos from creators like Craig Migliaccio and SkillCat, contrasting that investment with how easily AI could fake the same content for far less. Bryan shares a personal story about teaching basic electrical work in Haiti and the unforgettable reaction of an elderly student who lit up the moment her circuit worked, while Ty reflects on the mentors who shaped his own career. Both agree that AI can support trades education, but it can never substitute for a person who genuinely cares whether someone learns. Topics Covered Why trades education is fundamentally about people, not the transfer of information Where AI genuinely helps: grammar and tone, reassembling ideas, image editing, and basic legal or HR research The line Ty draws — using AI to assist a person is fine, using it to replace one is not The risk of AI confidently presenting false information, and why everything still has to be fact-checked Bryan's "AI human sandwich" framework for using the tool responsibly Ty's long-running critique of PowerPoint-heavy training and how AI avatars make the problem worse Classroom stories: getting written up for skipping a PowerPoint, the blower-wheel set-screw lesson, and Bert's Socratic-method exercise with Unistrut at Kalos The GRIT Foundation's commitment to hands-on, mentor-led learning over app-based or AI-generated content The human effort behind training videos from creators like Craig Migliaccio and SkillCat Personal mentorship stories, including a memorable lesson in Haiti and the mentors who shaped both guests' careers   Learn more about the GRIT Foundation at https://www.thegritfoundation.com/.  Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 8th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
• Q&A System Oversizing - Short #291 23.06.2026 9m

  In this short Q&A podcast episode, Bryan answers a question from Evan, a licensed mold assessment consultant, about system oversizing: What can be done when an HVAC system is oversized to control humidity and keep occupants comfortable? The extent of the problem will depend on how badly the equipment is oversized, whether it has any turn-down or staging, and how the latent capacity is set up. To make the equipment work as best as it can, reducing the airflow to about 350 CFM per ton can help, as well as properly setting up dehumidification modes. The downside to slower airflow is a likely increase in cabinet and duct sweating. In brand-new houses, it may be possible to swap the condenser (though it may be unlikely with the recent refrigerant change) and then drop airflow at the air handler. You can use AHRI's data to look for a possible match and then check the manufacturer's expanded performance data to verify whether a new condenser is a match.  It's also possible to decouple the latent and sensible loads by installing a dehumidifier. However, completely decoupling the loads is not always practical, as a properly-sized HVAC system is the main source of dehumidification (and the dehumidifier fills in the gaps). Dehumidifiers need to be installed properly (with the supply ducted into the supply duct).  Intentionally derating the equipment's cooling capacity, such as via reheat, will turn it into a better dehumidifier, but you're still adding sensible BTUs and need to be aware of the consequences of that, including higher power bills. You can use electric reheat, remove insulation, or remove shades from windows. Using a smaller compressor until the system can be replaced and downsized would achieve a similar effect but comes with other negative consequences. Right-sizing equipment, load-matching, and managing air movement and heat transfer are ultimately the keys to preventing moisture problems.   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 8th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
• Filters - MERV 13, Myths & More 18.06.2026 36m

  In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, Bryan sits down with Kelsey Hei and Andy Fox from 3M Filtrete to pull back the curtain on what really goes into a quality air filter. Most homeowners — and even some contractors — think of air filters as simple screens that catch dust, but as this episode makes clear, modern filter technology is anything but simple. From proprietary nonwoven fiber structures to electrostatic charging that turns fibers into "magnets" for microscopic particles, the science behind a great air filter is both fascinating and critically important for equipment health and the air we breathe every day. The conversation digs deep into why MERV 13 has become the gold standard recommendation from organizations like the EPA and CDC — especially in the wake of COVID-19 and worsening wildfire seasons across the country. While higher MERV ratings deliver better particle capture, they can also mean higher pressure drop, which strains HVAC equipment. This is where Filtrete's MPR 1900 filter stands out: it achieves MERV 13 performance while maintaining a pressure drop comparable to most MERV 8 filters — roughly half that of leading competitors. That balance between filtration efficiency and airflow resistance is something 3M has spent over 35 years engineering. One of the most compelling segments focuses on real-world testing. Rather than relying solely on lab data, 3M runs extensive in-home studies — placing filters in dozens of homes during Minnesota winters, then retrieving and analyzing them to measure real-life efficiency and pressure drop. This commitment to real-world validation ensures Filtrete's claims hold up in the messy, variable conditions of actual homes, not just controlled lab environments. Bryan and the guests also discuss how overloaded or collapsed filters can cause serious equipment issues, including frozen coils and system shutdowns in extreme cases — underscoring why filter quality and regular replacement matter enormously. The episode wraps with practical advice for contractors and homeowners alike: if you're installing a new system, push for a four- or five-inch filter slot to maximize surface area, lower ongoing pressure drop, and extend filter life. For existing one-inch slots, the MPR 1900 is the top pick. The Filtrete Smart App is also highlighted as a handy tool for setting filter change reminders and monitoring local air quality — making it easier than ever for consumers to stay on top of their indoor air health. Topics Covered ·       3M Filtrete's history — 35+ years of indoor air quality innovation, owning the full manufacturing value chain from raw fiber to finished filter ·       The three pillars of air filter design — Efficiency, pressure drop, and air filter lifetime — and how they must be balanced ·       Nonwoven media explained — Why random fiber orientation captures particles more effectively than woven fabrics ·       Electrostatic charging technology — How fibers are engineered to attract and trap microscopic particles ·       Charge stability over time — Shelf life testing and real-world in-home studies to verify long-term performance ·       Why MERV 13 matters — EPA, CDC, and ASHRAE recommendations; effectiveness against bacteria, viruses, allergens, and wildfire smoke ·       Pressure drop and airflow — How high-resistance air filters strain equipment, raise energy bills, and can cause system failures ·       MPR 1900 spotlight — MERV 13 filtration at MERV 8 pressure drop, with publicly available data through the California Energy Commission ·       California Energy Commission database — Publicly available pressure drop and efficiency data on every filter sold in the U.S. ·       Pleats and surface area — Why having more pleats equals better dust-holding capacity and a longer filter life ·       Frame strength and bypass prevention — How structural integrity affects real-world performance over the filter's lifespan ·       MPR rating system explained — Microparticle Performance Rating: Filtrete's system focused on capturing the smallest, hardest-to-catch particles ·       Exceeding ASHRAE minimums — Filtrete's MERV 11, 12, and 13 filters all capture significantly more fine particles than the minimum standard requires ·       One-inch vs. four/five-inch filters — Why thicker filters are ideal for new installs and how to maximize one-inch slot performance ·       Energy consumption impact — How pressure drop affects fan wattage, system efficiency, and real annual utility costs ·       The Filtrete Smart App — Set filter change reminders at 30/60/90 days, store filter sizes, and get local air quality alerts   Learn more about Filtrete's air filters at filtrete.com or download the Filtrete Smart App on your Android or iOS smartphone.  Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 8th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
• From High Performance Medicine to High Performance HVAC - Short #290 16.06.2026 26m

  In this short podcast from the 8th HVACR Training Symposium's Bry-X stage, Ken Davis shares his experience as an HVAC contractor who has brought vital experience from high-performance medicine to High-Performance HVAC. Ken's experience comes from developing high-reliability organizations (HROs). An HRO has a low fail rate in an industry where high fail rates aren't tolerated due to catastrophic consequences, such as in medicine, nuclear, and aviation industries. This model can also be applied to relatively low-risk industries, like HVAC, to help businesses perform better. Ken had the idea to use the HRO model when he witnessed a traumatic medical emergency and co-founded an air medical program that brought trauma management methods from the hospital to the field. These methods bought time to transport patients to the hospital and improved survivability outcomes; they could also be applied to relatively low-stakes HVAC work and produce better outcomes. One of the key aspects of developing an HRO is to use checklists for complex tasks. Interactive checklists help people think through the procedure and see what they may have forgotten. They also make mistakes visible and show how change is possible; the HVAC professional just needs to have the desire to do better, which can be screened for during the hiring phase by searching for work ethic and personality over experience.  As HVAC professionals, in addition to creating detailed checklists, we can start by getting better at the basics, such as evacuation, airflow measurement, and utilizing software tools like measureQuick. Load calculations are also important, as is the use of software to make sure they're accurate and aid with proper equipment selection. Improving ductwork also has the potential to produce much better outcomes for customers, regardless of whether you use flex or sheet metal ductwork. We can also use advanced tools and testing methodologies (like zonal pressure diagnostics and blower door tests) to sell upgrades that verifiably improve customer indoor air quality, such as dehumidification and better filtration.   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
• Training The Next Generation of HVACR Technicians w/ Lenny Diaddario (Copeland) 11.06.2026 34m

  In this episode of the HVAC School Podcast, host Bryan sits down with Lenny from Copeland to explore how one of the most respected names in HVAC and refrigeration is actively investing in the next generation of technicians. Lenny leads Copeland's aftermarket demand creation efforts, which includes everything from working with wholesale networks and trade shows to educational partnerships with schools and nonprofit organizations. The conversation covers a wide range of initiatives aimed not just at recruiting people into the trades, but at giving them the tools and confidence to thrive long-term in the industry. A major theme throughout the episode is Copeland's belief that workforce development is a shared responsibility across the entire industry chain — from manufacturers and parts suppliers to contractors and educators. Lenny describes how Copeland partners with organizations like SkillsUSA, Skills Canada, and the NC3 (National Coalition of Certification Centers) to provide hands-on training opportunities and industry certifications to students in trade and tech schools. Copeland sends trainers to these competitions with mobile refrigeration simulators, where students troubleshoot real-world fault scenarios and receive detailed feedback afterward — making it both a competitive and educational experience. The episode also dives deep into Copeland's Train-the-Trainer program, a cornerstone of their work with NC3 partner schools. Rather than simply handing schools a curriculum and walking away, Copeland brings educators through an intensive one-week program covering HVACR system fundamentals, troubleshooting, and compressor operation — complete with hands-on activities, refrigeration simulators, and even compressor teardowns. The goal is to ensure that instructors can confidently deliver accurate, field-relevant material to their students. Lenny emphasizes that Copeland intentionally avoids "death by PowerPoints," preferring interactive, application-based learning that mirrors what technicians actually encounter on the job. On the technology side, the conversation highlights the newly unified Copeland Mobile app, which now integrates White-Rodgers tools alongside the existing Copeland suite. Features like Check and Charge, PT Pro, and Fault Finder help technicians quickly diagnose system issues in the field, while the AI-powered Scout tool allows users to query Copeland-approved engineering bulletins and product data for fast, accurate answers. Lenny and Bryan discuss why this kind of tightly controlled, manufacturer-backed AI is genuinely valuable — cutting through information overload so a tech on a rooftop can get the right answer quickly. The episode wraps up with details on the HVACR Tech Appreciation Day sweepstakes happening April 1 through June 30, where Copeland is giving away approximately $3,000 worth of tools as a thank-you to technicians across the industry. Topics Covered Lenny's role at Copeland and the scope of their aftermarket and education work How Copeland approaches workforce development as an industry-wide responsibility Copeland's involvement with SkillsUSA and Skills Canada — booths, judges, and mobile refrigeration training simulators The NC3 (National Coalition of Certification Centers) partnership and how it connects trade schools to industry certifications Copeland's three-part curriculum: HVACR system fundamentals, troubleshooting, and compressor operation The Train-the-Trainer program — how Copeland educates educators to deliver consistent, field-ready instruction Hands-on learning philosophy: refrigeration trainers, scroll teardown kits, and compressor-in-a-suitcase tools available to schools Virtual reality scroll teardown in development to bring factory experiences to the classroom The newly integrated Copeland Mobile app — combining White-Rodgers and Copeland tools in one platform App features: Check and Charge, PT Pro (with altitude settings), Fault Finder, and the 30-year products catalog Scout — Copeland's AI tool that searches approved engineering bulletins and product data to answer field questions fast Why manufacturer-controlled AI is a practical and trustworthy resource for technicians The importance of retaining new technicians by giving them support systems so they aren't overwhelmed and don't wash out HVACR Tech Appreciation Day — June 22nd — and the sweepstakes giving away ~$3,000 in tools (vacuum pump, recovery unit, core removal tool, gauge sets) How to reach Copeland's Educational Services team: educationalservices.coldchain@copeland.com Accessing educator resources on Copeland's website and the Copeland Mobile app   Copeland's Resources: Sweepstakes: Enter Copeland's HVACR Technician Appreciation Sweepstakes before June 30th, 2026 at hvacrschool.com/copelandsweepstakes.  Copeland Mobile App: apps.copeland.com/copelandmobile  Educator Resources: https://www.copeland.com/en-us/training-support Educational Services Email: educationalservices.coldchain@copeland.com    Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 8th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
• Communications Might Be Your Best Tool - Short #289 09.06.2026 16m

  This short episode is Andy Holt's session from the Bry-X stage of the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium: Communications Might Be Your Best Tool. In this session, Andy covers some key communication and customer service principles that can help you become a better technician. In the end, customers won't remember your technical knowledge; they will remember how you made them feel, and that's why good communication is so important. Andy's core philosophy is that we aren't in the HVAC business; we are in the people business and just happen to fix HVAC systems. In many cases, technicians can control the way customers perceive them; while some technicians may not care about how the customer perceives them, owning and being aware of our mannerisms and way of speaking can go a long way to build good relationships. Having a clear process that is open to adaptation is the key to creating a good first impression when you greet the customer.  Be cognizant of your mindset when meeting new people as well, as a positive outlook will make it easier to speak pleasantly (verbal communication) and show welcoming body language (nonverbal communication). Nonverbal communication is a huge part of communication, including tone of voice, gestures, and eye contact; attentive but variable eye contact, a solid handshake, a friendly tone of voice, and especially a smile can do a lot to put customers at ease and make them feel satisfied with your service.   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
• All About Airflow Testing w/ Eric Kaiser 04.06.2026 1h 8m

  In this session from the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium in Florida, Eric "Elk" Kaiser delivers a comprehensive workshop on airflow testing and measurement. Eric opens by challenging technicians to think beyond simply pointing an instrument at a duct and reading a number. Before selecting any tool, he argues, professionals must understand exactly what they are measuring — whether that is velocity, pressure, volume (CFM), or the mass weight of air — and why each of those values matters for designing ductwork, sizing equipment, and delivering comfort to customers. The session sets the stage for a deeper technical conversation about the physics of air and how those physics affect measurement accuracy in the real world. A significant portion of the presentation focuses on air density and how it affects the accuracy of common industry formulas. Eric walks through the origin of the widely-used 1.08 and 4.5 airflow constants, explaining that they are derived from a theoretical "standard air" condition of sea level pressure (14.7 PSIA) and 0% relative humidity — conditions that virtually no technician encounters in the field. He demonstrates how changes in altitude, temperature, and humidity all shift air density, causing those constants to become variables. For technicians working at elevations above 2,500 feet, the density difference can exceed 10%, enough to significantly skew BTU calculations and equipment performance assessments if left uncorrected. Eric also walks through a real-world scenario involving measurements taken across an operating evaporator coil, where a 3.4% density shift between return and supply could easily be misread as duct leakage. The workshop then moves into a thorough survey of airflow measurement instruments and the specific conditions each one is best suited for. Eric covers vane anemometers (large and mini), hot wire anemometers, pitot tubes, flow hoods (passive and active/fan-powered), flow boxes, the temperature rise method, and the digital TrueFlow grid. For each tool, he discusses accuracy considerations, density correction requirements, velocity limitations, placement requirements, and common mistakes. He is candid about the limitations of manufacturer performance charts, sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how one manufacturer evaluated static pressure using a six-foot plenum and four averaging probes — conditions that bear no resemblance to a cramped residential closet with a coil slammed on top of the furnace. The takeaway is that no chart, regardless of source, should be trusted without understanding the conditions under which it was created. Throughout the session, Eric emphasizes a core professional philosophy: understand your instruments, understand their limitations, and understand what level of accuracy is truly needed for the job at hand. He introduces the concept of stacked inaccuracies — where instrument error combines with density correction error to produce readings that can mislead technicians into diagnosing problems that do not exist, or missing ones that do. He concludes with a strong endorsement of the digital TrueFlow grid for residential applications, highlighting its app-based forecasting feature that allows technicians to predict whether a new piece of equipment will work on an existing duct system before the installation begins. The session closes with audience Q&A covering topics such as using density-correcting instruments to compare supply and return readings, and measuring airflow in systems with multiple filter grilles. Topics Covered What airflow measurement actually captures: velocity, pressure, volume (CFM), and mass weight of air — and why the distinction matters The origin and limitations of the 1.08 and 4.5 airflow constants, and when technicians must correct for non-standard air conditions How air density changes with altitude, temperature, and humidity — including a 22% density drop from sea level to 5,000 feet elevation Real-world example: how a 3.4% density shift across an operating evaporator coil can be mistaken for duct leakage Instrument selection overview: large vane anemometers, mini vane anemometers, hot wire anemometers, pitot tubes, and in-duct flow devices Passive vs. active (fan-powered) flow hoods — accuracy differences and the importance of using residential hoods for residential applications Proper probe placement for in-duct measurements: ASHRAE guidelines, straight-run requirements, and how turbulence affects readings Duct traverses: log Chebyshev point averaging vs. timed traverse methods, and best practices for each Manufacturer performance charts and external static pressure testing: how lab conditions differ from field conditions and why charts can mislead Motor types (PSC, constant torque ECM, constant airflow ECM) and how motor behavior affects static pressure measurement and airflow setup Manometer selection: resolution, accuracy, auto-zeroing features, and why a precise-looking display does not equal an accurate reading Temperature rise method for estimating airflow: appropriate uses with electric heat, and limitations with gas furnaces Digital TrueFlow grid: application for residential retrofit work, CFM forecasting, and evaluating existing duct systems before equipment replacement Audience Q&A: density correction on supply vs. return readings, multi-grille TrueFlow workflows, and commercial system setup strategies   You can watch the flow hood comparison video by TruTech Tools HERE. You can also check out all of the great free downloads and other resources TruTech Tools has to offer at https://trutechtools.com/resources.  Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
• The Deep End with Roman Baugh: Live Call, Grounded Compressor, Mitsubishi Mini-Split 02.06.2026 15m

  In this short podcast, Roman Baugh takes over with his new series, "The Deep End," where he shares tech support conversations. This time, Roman is on the other end of a live tech support call about a grounded compressor with an existing Mitsubishi mini-split (Mr. Slim heat pump). The unit in this case had an unclear service history due to the homeowner moving in recently. In this issue, the compressor kicked on and kicked off immediately. After the technician in this scenario told tech support that he had no continuity from the compressor to ground, tech support asked him to check the resistance (which was 43 ohms from black to ground and 43 from white to ground). Tech support concluded that the compressor was grounded, and it needed to be replaced (along with the PCB). However, the resistance disappeared mid-call, and intermittent resistance readings don't always indicate a failed winding; it's worth noting that cool ambient temperatures that enable liquid refrigerant to migrate into the compressor could potentially skew electrical readings. Roman recommended shutting the system down and trying to get the system to run. His rationale was that if the unit ran and didn't keep stopping, the system may have been overcharged or lacking a crankcase heater. However, that did not show any improvement in operation; the compressor rattled for about a second and shut off. A resistance test confirmed that the compressor was grounded, pointing to a mechanical issue with the compressor and not just a one-off instance of refrigerant migration. This type of failure can happen when there are repeated instances of liquid refrigerant in the crankcase over time.   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
• Add Duct Renovations to Your Product Offerings 28.05.2026 40m

  In this episode, HVAC veteran Adam Mufich of National Comfort Institute (NCI) pulls back the curtain on one of the industry's most overlooked problems: the majority of residential HVAC systems in the United States are not delivering the correct amount of airflow. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience, Adam opens up about his own journey from confident installer to humbled diagnostician, sharing the moment he started measuring his systems and realized how much he had been getting wrong. His candor and expertise make this a must-listen for any HVAC professional serious about doing better work. Adam walks listeners through a sobering picture painted by a Department of Energy study covering 44 research projects across the country. The data reveals that between 50 and 93 percent of systems tested moved less than the minimum 350 CFM per ton of capacity, and between 67 and 100 percent of systems leaked more than 100 CFM to the outside. Equipment oversizing is rampant, with some studies showing that up to 93 percent of systems exceed what Manual J calculations would call for. The ripple effects are enormous: compressor failures, blown blower motors, cracked heat exchangers, wasted energy, and homeowners who are simply not comfortable in their own homes. Adam argues that the single most powerful fix is also the most underused one — properly sizing the equipment in the first place. The bulk of the episode dives into two distinct approaches NCI teaches for addressing these problems. The first is the Air Upgrade, a targeted set of repairs focused near the equipment to reduce static pressure and increase fan airflow. This includes reworking the filter system (a commonly undersized 16x25x1 filter can triple the allowed pressure budget on its own), improving duct fittings with lower equivalent lengths, cleaning evaporator coils and blower wheels, adjusting fan speed, and sealing duct joints. The second approach is full Duct Optimization, a more comprehensive renovation that addresses the entire duct system, incorporates Manual D calculations, installs balancing dampers, improves insulation, and uses tools like flow hoods and MeasureQuick to verify that every room in the house is receiving the correct airflow and BTUs. Adam also spends time on the practical and human side of this work — how to talk to homeowners, how to prioritize what matters to them, and how to overcome the very real obstacles that keep technicians from doing thorough airflow work. He addresses everything from fear of opening walls (his solution: build relationships with drywall contractors and offer turnkey repairs) to the simple but powerful mindset shift of treating airflow as something to be measured, not felt with your hand. His closing message is clear: the tools and methods exist, the training is available, and virtually every house in the country has a problem worth solving. The only thing standing in the way is the willingness to do it right. Topics Covered The current state of the HVAC industry based on a DOE meta-analysis of 44 studies Why equipment oversizing is the number one contributor to airflow problems and how to address it How a 50 percent oversized AC system can increase energy consumption by up to 91 percent (per the ASME Journal of Sustainable Buildings) Tools for proper load calculations, including Ample Energy and Conduit apps Why most systems are not moving enough airflow and what the consequences are (heat exchanger failures, compressor failures, comfort complaints) Duct leakage to the outside and its effects on comfort, indoor air quality, and building pressurization The four pillars of NCI's approach: safe, healthy, comfortable, and efficient systems The Air Upgrade approach: targeted repairs near the equipment to reduce static pressure and increase fan airflow The Duct Optimization approach: full duct system renovation with balanced airflow to every room Static pressure profiling: taking four measurements (before/after filter and before/after coil) to pinpoint restrictions Static pressure budgets and how to use them to identify which part of a system is the biggest problem Fan Law 2 as a planning tool to predict system performance before making changes The TrueFlow Grid and its forecasting feature for planning equipment changes Filter sizing and its massive impact on total external static pressure Duct fitting equivalent lengths and how to reduce resistance near the equipment Sealing duct joints and why it adds static pressure that must be planned for The importance of rechecking and adjusting refrigerant charge after any airflow improvement Air balancing with a flow hood to verify delivered CFM at every register Measuring delivered BTUs using tools like MeasureQuick, JobLink, and NCI's ComfortMax workflow Overcoming obstacles: technician buy-in, access to ducts in walls, attic space limitations, and homeowner hesitation Building relationships with drywall contractors to offer turnkey duct repair solutions Why airflow is invisible and why measuring it is non-negotiable   To learn more about NCI and its training offerings, visit https://www.nationalcomfortinstitute.com/. Watch Adam Mufich's previous symposium session, Fan Law 2 for Techs, at https://www.hvacrschool.com/videos/fan-law-2-for-techs-with-adam-mufich/.  Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
• Refrigeration Pulse Valves - Short #288 26.05.2026 21m

  In this short podcast from the Bry-X stage of the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium, Matthew Taylor from Kalos Services introduces refrigeration pulse valves, which started as a solution for CO2 refrigeration systems and are now common in commercial refrigeration as a whole. He briefly explains how they work and describes their role in the refrigeration systems (and possibly commercial HVAC systems in the future!). Refrigeration systems have moved away from electronic expansion valves (EEVs), which have been adopted by residential HVAC systems only recently, and have been using pulse valves instead. Pulse valves are also electronic expansion devices with fewer parts than EEVs (which often have stepper motors and complex electronics) and lower failure rates as a result. Pulse valves have a pressure transducer and a temperature sensor that go on the suction line to calculate the superheat; these report to a controller that takes the data from those parts, calculates the superheat based on the refrigerant and programming, and controls the valve like an EEV. However, there are only two wires, and the controller turns the valve on or off (like a solenoid) instead of sending pulses out. Solenoids just open or close completely, but pulse valves have a port (oversized fixed orifice) through which liquid refrigerant passes; when the load changes, the controller merely sends power to open the valve when the load goes up and stops sending power to close the valve when the load goes down. The valve is open for a certain percentage, and the on/off function is open for that amount of time in a six-second duty cycle (and off for the remaining time); this is pulse-width modulation. They also work well with refrigerants that have glide. However, pulse valves have some challenges. They may have issues in cases where we have very long evaporators, as there are delays between what happens between the inlet and outlet. Having multiple, shorter evaporators is a common solution to this problem, and these designs are more efficient in general (especially when they can be used with efficient refrigerants that move slowly through the evaporator). Pulse valves also require a computer (though EEV ones are similar), and are less serviceable than other valves; some may require technicians to take the valve apart to take the screen out, which requires replacement O-rings and gaskets. They are also noisy enough for customers to hear them.   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
• Residential HVAC Install Process Improvement 21.05.2026 33m

  In this candid team meeting, Bryan — a founder of Kalos Services and a veteran of residential HVAC — gathers his install crew to have an honest conversation about what goes wrong on the job. With summer around the corner and the workload about to spike, Bryan circles back to his roots in residential HVAC to lead a round-table discussion on the pain points his technicians face every single day. Rather than pointing fingers, he opens the floor for every team member to voice the specific frustrations that slow down their installs, and what emerges is a surprisingly consistent list: size and clearance problems, missing small materials, incomplete job photos, and last-minute schedule changes that leave crews scrambling before they even pull out of the shop. Bryan draws on his own humble origins as a one-man operation hauling equipment on a Gladiator trailer — doing installs, service calls, and waste runs all in the same day — to remind his team that chaos is not inevitable; it is the byproduct of poor process. He is refreshingly self-aware, admitting that he was a very bad installer who routinely showed up with equipment that did not fit the space. That honesty sets the tone for the entire session: this is not a lecture about accountability, but a collaborative problem-solving conversation about building repeatable systems that prevent the same mistakes from happening over and over again. As Bryan frames it, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result — and right now, the team is living that cycle. The heart of the session focuses on a three-phase planning framework: what should be done the night before a job, what should happen at the shop before the crew leaves, and what needs to occur during the first 30 minutes on-site. Bryan emphasizes that skipping proper measurements and job photos should carry the same weight as failing an inspection or leaving a refrigerant leak — because the downstream cost is just as real. He breaks down the two categories of mistakes that are truly unacceptable for any installer: refrigerant leaks from improper brazing, and water leaks from poorly executed drain lines. No amount of clean workmanship makes up for either of those failures, and he walks the crew through the non-negotiable steps — pressure testing and bubble solution on every single joint — that prevent them. Bryan wraps up by tying individual preparation habits to the bigger picture of company growth. He acknowledges that last-minute installs and mid-job equipment runs may never fully disappear, but that investing 15 minutes the evening before and 30 minutes on arrival creates a compounding tipping point effect — over time, the crew gains back hours, reduces surprises, and frees up the time that matters most: commissioning the system properly. Checklists, he argues, are not about turning skilled tradespeople into robots; they are about transferring institutional knowledge to the next generation of technicians and ensuring that nothing critical gets overlooked, no matter how many times you have done the job before. Topics Covered Common install-day problems surfaced in a round-table with the install crew Equipment size and clearance issues — why measurements matter before the truck leaves the shop The critical role of detailed job photos in preventing on-site surprises Missing small materials (wire nuts, spray foam, surge protectors, breakers) and how to stock proactively Scope and de-scope review: aligning the proposal with the homeowner before work begins Bryan's three-phase planning framework: the night before, at the shop, and on arrival Why refrigerant leaks and drain-line failures are the two non-negotiable mistakes to eliminate Pressure testing and bubble solution as a standard, every-joint practice The role of checklists in training new technicians and preserving institutional knowledge Handling last-minute installs and the logistics of getting equipment to the job site Condenser access obstacles — bushes, parking, property layout — and how to communicate with homeowners Faulty or missing parts out of the box and strategies for catching them early Panel rework and surprise platform rebuilds: planning for the unexpected How improved preparation leads to better commissioning time at the end of every job Building a culture of process over blame — poor planning is a system problem, not a people problem Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
• How to Teach Kids the Trades - Short #287 19.05.2026 27m

  In this short podcast from the Bry-X stage of the 7th Annual HVAC/R Training Symposium, Ty Branaman and Leilani Orr talk about how to teach kids the trades. They share lessons they've learned from the GRIT Foundation and over their careers as trades and home educators. Their approaches have evolved over the years, and GRIT has also evolved quite a bit from its beginnings. Leilani and Ty have found that the Socratic method is great for getting students to think critically; instead of spoon-feeding answers, teachers ask the students "why" and "how" questions. In GRIT Camps, mentors are there to keep students safe and guide them when needed, but mentors ultimately let students make mistakes and figure things out on their own. Students often make leaky joints when they braze for the first time, but it's their first time holding torches and most of the tools used at GRIT Camp. Making mistakes is crucial to the learning process. The mistakes we (and the students) make with our own hands also stick with us more than being told how to do a task the right way. Then, when students struggle, we can ask if they want to know a shortcut; they give their mentors permission to show them the right way. This method builds curiosity, and it allows students to get excited about a career in the trades or realize that the trades aren't for them but still walk away with hands-on skills and a newfound respect for the trades. Many tradespeople take the trade skills they learned as children for granted, as many children nowadays don't develop the same hands-on skills. The GRIT Foundation has a course that teaches mentors to teach students those hands-on skills that already seem like second nature to them. Even so, the course is just a guide, not something that needs to be followed to the letter. Many of the concepts taught in the guide and that mentors use at GRIT Camp also apply to apprentices.   Learn more about the GRIT Foundation at https://www.thegritfoundation.com/. Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.
• Geothermal – Back to the Basics w/ Brad Cooper 14.05.2026 29m

  In this episode, Brad Cooper — second-generation HVAC technician, educator at Arkansas State University-Beebe (ASUBB), and CMHE-certified professional with HVAC Excellence — breaks down geothermal systems for everyday HVAC technicians. Brad brings a grounded, no-hype perspective to a technology that has long intimidated many in the trade. His central message is simple: if you already understand heat pumps and air conditioning, you already have most of the knowledge you need to service geothermal units. The only real difference, as Brad explains, is swapping air for water, a fan for a pump, and a condenser for two heat exchangers. Brad opens with a compelling real-world story: a customer with two malfunctioning geothermal units called a company for help, but because the technicians were unfamiliar with geothermal systems, they replaced both units with air-to-air equipment — costing the customer $25,000 and stripping them of the significant efficiency benefits geothermal provides. This kind of outcome is exactly what Brad wants to prevent. He urges technicians not to shy away from geothermal work the way past generations were told to avoid flex duct or mobile homes, but instead to approach these systems with the same confidence and diagnostic mindset they bring to any HVAC call. A major portion of the episode is devoted to practical diagnostics — specifically, how to use a pressure probe and a temperature probe on the water side to calculate GPM flow, BTU output, and system efficiency using a straightforward chart. Brad walks listeners through the math: a gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds, multiplied by flow rate and delta T, gives you a reliable BTU reading — all without expensive equipment. He also covers the flush cart, the one specialized tool you'll eventually need for water-side work, and explains that most geothermal calls don't require it at all — the majority of failures are standard heat pump issues like bad capacitors, clogged drain lines, or faulty thermostats. Brad closes with an encouraging, community-minded message: you don't need to go it alone. He encourages technicians to build a network of mentors — someone like a "Paul and a Barnabas" — who can guide them through unfamiliar territory in the field. He also highlights key industry resources, including IGSHPA (International Ground Source Heat Pump Association) for training and certification, GeoFlow for parts and materials, and his brother's company, EDGE Geo Supply, for tools and field training. Brad himself offers his personal phone number and email for anyone with questions, reinforcing that the geothermal community is accessible and willing to help. Topics Covered •       Brad's background as a second-generation HVAC tech and his role at ASUBB and HVAC School •       Why geothermal systems intimidate technicians — and why they shouldn't •       The core analogy: air-to-air vs. geothermal (air → water, fan → pump, condenser → two heat exchangers) •       A $25,000 cautionary tale: replacing working geo units out of fear and unfamiliarity •       Geothermal efficiency: constant EER ratings vs. seasonal SEER ratings and why seasons don't affect geo performance •       BTU fundamentals: what a BTU is and how to calculate BTU output on the water side •       Tonnage review: 1 ton = 12,000 BTUs per hour, melting a ton of ice in 24 hours •       Water weight and flow math: 8.34 lbs/gallon, calculating GPM and BTUs with delta T •       Using a two-probe setup (pressure + temperature) and a field chart to diagnose water-side performance •       The flush cart: what it is, when you need it, and why most jobs won't require it •       Common heat pump-side failures in geo units: capacitors, low-pressure switches, evaporator coils, bad thermostats •       Common water-side failures: bad pump, low water, dirty water, frozen loop field •       How antifreeze/glycol affects heating load and BTU output — and when to add it •       Responding to frozen loop fields during extreme cold events (ice storms in Arkansas and Texas) •       Humidity control advantages of geothermal in high-humidity climates vs. high-efficiency air-to-air units •       Selecting the right system: geo isn't for every home or every situation •       Open-loop options: pulling water from lakes or rivers and utility company incentives •       Closed-loop installation considerations: drilling costs, lot size, and buried line depths •       Building a mentor network for field support (the "Paul and Barnabas" principle) •       Industry resources: IGSHPA for training and certification, GeoFlow, and Edge Geo Supply   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.